HMS Monmouth (F235)

The RM Band playing during HMS Monmouth's entry into Baltimore - CPO(MEM) Kevin Hewson

HMS Monmouth at Under Armour Jetty - Lt Cdr Craig Devlin

Fitness training at Under Armour Corporate HQ - Lt Cdr Craig Devlin

The Washington Monument - CPO(MEM) Kevin Hewson

Ship's Company outside Capitol Building - CPO(MEM) Kevin Hewson

Ship's Company outside The White House - LWtr Philip Mountstephens

HMS Monmouth Football Team - CPO(MEM) Kevin Hewson

My team of sailors have been extremely proud in their role as ambassadors for the Royal Navy and the UK and I would like to thank the people of Baltimore and Maryland for their friendship and hospitality during our stay.

Commander Will King RN

Monmouth was on show alongside a dozen warships, classic sailing vessels and even a World War 2 Liberty ship.

Commanding Officer of HMS Monmouth, Commander Will King, was full of pride.

“This visit was a huge success and it continues to demonstrate the close partnership between the UK and US,” he said.

“It is my hope that through events such as this the public gain an insight into the professionalism, commitment and sacrifice that all members of the Armed Forces make every day.

“My team of sailors have been extremely proud in their role as ambassadors for the Royal Navy and the UK and I would like to thank the people of Baltimore and Maryland for their friendship and hospitality during our stay.”

Monmouth immediately made her presence felt, making a spectacular entrance with the ship’s company stood at attention on the upper with members of the Royal Marines Band performing on the flight deck.

She was berthed on the jetty near the headquarters of sportswear brand Under Armour and welcomed a variation of guests on board – including the cheerleaders from the Baltimore Ravens American Football team, children from local schools and staff from Under Armour.

She also hosted an evening reception attended by Commander Carrier Strike Group Two, Rear Admiral Stephen Evans of the US Navy, the British Naval Attaché, British Embassy staff and local businessmen and women.

Having been on carrier escort duties as HMS Queen Elizabeth began F-35 Lightning fighter jet flight trials recently, this was a chance for a change of pace.

Monmouth’s sailors took the short trip to capital Washington DC to take in all the main tourist attractions and also got involved in sports matches against other visiting ships and local teams in Baltimore.

Sailors put in a decent performance at the Baltimore 5k fun run and were put through circuit training by Under Armour, too.

After Baltimore, Monmouth returned to HMS Queen Elizabeth’s side and will shortly be on exercise with the United States Navy Amphibious Task Group.

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operations
Westlant 18

Britain's new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is deployed to the east coast of the United States for her maiden F-35 Lightning flying trials. Joined by her task group, including HMS Monmouth, it marks the first time F-35 stealth jets have flown from the carrier's flight deck. As well as the vital deck trials, the deployment also involves exercises to prove the ship's ability to operate with other nations’ ships and aircraft.

International partnerships

As the fifth largest economy in the world, the UK has responsibilities towards its allies and partners. But Britain also has global ambitions – namely to protect the seaways underpinning the country’s prosperity. The Royal Navy plays a crucial role in fostering these enduring and lasting alliances with other nations.